Vacations should be fun for the entire family – a fact that sometimes gets lost in the planning. Hoping to bypass potential arguments, some parents plan only kid activities. Other parents forget that children are coming on the vacation and plan only adult activities. Plan a mixture of activities that offer something for everyone to create a truly fun family vacation.

If you plan for a full day at a museum or other adult oriented site, add some fun for the kids by doing a scavenger hunt through the place. Keep behavior in check by giving the kids a small gift shop budget at the beginning of the day. Every time they misbehave, they have to return a small portion. Anything left at the end is theirs to spend. It also helps to make frequent rest stops at the snack bar and find a place for the kids to run for a little while. End the day with a swim or some time in a local park.

All vacations should include one relaxing, kid-friendly day. You can visit the local zoo, aquarium, city park or even just swim in the hotel pool. This day should have an easy schedule so it is relaxing for kids and parents.

You should also select restaurants that are a combination of child or adult focused. While an expensive, five-star restaurant may not be worth the expense and hassle of taking small children, there are many great restaurants that offer great food for adults and a good environment for kids. Select a nicer restaurant for the meal that is generally the kids best and then let the kids select the place for another meal. Alternatively, you can share the decision by letting the kids decide the type of food, while you decide the actual restaurant.

Bring small activity bags along to keep kids entertained along the way. Pull out the activity bag at mealtimes, while waiting in line or for a break while touring a museum. Small toys, stickers, tape measures and activity pads will work magic in tough situations. A memorable family vacation includes activities that appeal to each member of the family.

Guest post by: Mark at TrueView Home Inspections

– “I take my kids on vacation with me a few times a year. Given the nature of my job and being a single father I am always sure to prepare my vacation around them because it is so much easier to enjoy it and relax when I am ready beforehand with a checklist of things to do and places to see that will help keep my kids occupied and having fun”.

Iceland is a country that is filled with charm and nature’s best features. Thousands of people visit Iceland every year to enjoy the Northern Lights, delicious beer, and spectacular sceneries. If you are struggling to find your next vacation destination, then here are the best reasons to visit Iceland.

Northern Lights

Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon that is caused by the interaction of sunlight in the air particles of Iceland. The beautiful green flow of lights seem like they are dancing on the sky and it will truly change your life.

The Blue Lagoon

Just 30 minutes outside of Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital, you can enjoy Blue Lagoon geothermal spa. It is naturally heated water with beautiful shades of blue that is set on the lava field and you can have loads of fun there. You can also enjoy exclusive spa therapies and massages.

3. Icelandic Horses

Icelandic horses are small and old bread animals and haven’t changed much since the Viking days. They are highly skilled in scaling the tricky Icelandic terrain and they are really friendly. If you are someone who is into cute animals then you can’t miss these animals.

Spectacular Sceneries

The sceneries that you see in Iceland are nothing like you have ever seen before – they are impossible to imagine. From the volcanic scenery to fjords and eerie green stretches, you will be taken to another world altogether. You will believe in nature’s beauty once you visit Iceland and its magnificent terrains.

Once in a Lifetime Road Trips

If you are a fan of road trips, then you should plan your trip to Iceland around its empty roads and no cars for miles. You can have the road to yourself for hours and simply enjoy the silence that is bestowed upon you.

Pylsurs

Food is always one of the top reasons to pick a destination. After all a vacation is nothing, if it is not filled with amazing views, peaceful sleeps, and delicious food. Pylsurs are hot dogs that are so good you won’t stop eating them. They include fried onions and remoulade sauce, and the magical essence of Iceland.

If you are someone who is always looking for adventure and nature in their trips, then there is no better place than Iceland. Plan your trip today!

Spain is often recognized as the single greatest historical museum in the open, surrounded by beautiful beaches and resort areas, perhaps the best in Europe. Also a true miracle of nature in terms of animal species variety and the beauty of its landscapes, Spain is a perfect place for aesthetic recreation away from city bustle. Spain is a country with glorious history. The most ancient monuments of culture in Spain belong to the Paleolithic period. These are rock paintings on the cave walls of Altamira. The architecture of the Iberians is represented by the ruins of the gigantic stone walls in Tarragona. The Romans left mainly civil constructions in Spain, such as water mains, bridges, aqueducts, amphitheatres, and arches. One of the Roman bridges, the Alcantara River Tagus, is perfectly preserved. This bridge features six arches with the middle one being a triumphal arch. The ruins of the Roman amphitheater for 6,000 spectators in Merida and Sagunto are simply majestic. Also, there are ancient arches in Medisaneli and Bar built in 107-102 BC.

The Arabs exerted a great influence on medieval Spanish art and architecture. The Alhambra palace-fortress in Granada, the Mosque of Cordoba, La Giralda minaret in Seville are world-famous tourist destinations. Alhambra is the palace-fortress of the 13th century, a fine example of Muslim architecture. Depending on the light, its walls and towers change color during the day. Especially beautiful is the Lions courtyard, surrounded by columns of white marble. In the courtyard, there is a fountain, with its huge marble bowl resting on 12 lions. In the palace, there are some great halls, including the Hall of Ambassadors; the Royal Hall with gold lace arches resembling stalactites, the Hall of Secrets with amazing acoustic effects.

The Mosque Cathedral of Cordoba is the largest mosque in the world, second to the famous Kaaba in Mecca. With its 19 aisles with 32 arches, it occupies a large area. Moreover, it is a double monument since it combines a mosque and a cathedral. In 1236, after the city had been captured by the Christians and the Muslims had fled to North Africa, King Ferdinand III ordered to turn the mosque into a Christian church, and the minaret was transformed into a bell tower. If you’re thinking of visiting Spain, there is plenty of things to do and endless attractions to see and enjoy. Maybe your next trip will be one of many beautiful Spanish destinations.

Singapore is the vibrant and energetic city where the East meets West with the traditional and modern. It is one of the world’s financial centers and famous for world-class shopping, modern architecture and delicious cuisine. The Lion City offers a unique experience for every visitor from colourful ethnic festivals to lively nightlife. Singapore the city has many other highlights like the Singapore Zoo, the famous Night Safari and the tropical theme park, Sentosa Island. This city has a fantastic tourism infrastructure and great public transport making it an ideal holiday destination and the perfect gateway to other South East Asian destinations.

Thailand is a country of beauty and mystery that attracts many travellers to its island resorts and busy cities. The culture, food and warm hospitality of the locals keep tourists coming back for more. The two most popular beach resorts are:

Pattaya located on the Gulf of Thailand 150 km south of Bangkok. Known as the ‘Thai Riviera’ and one of South East Asia’s best beach resorts, resort Pattaya attracts more than a million tourists annually from all over the world. Set along the 4km beachfront, Pattaya is renowned for high standard hotels, shopping, seafood restaurants, assorted international cuisine, water sports and its vibrant nightlife. The southern section of the bay becomes very lively and entertaining at night with many bars, nightclubs, shopping stalls and local food vendors. A day trip cruise to outlying islands such as Coral Island is a very popular activity where water sports, restaurants and quiet beaches can be enjoyed.

Phuket, the “Pearl of the South”, is Thailand’s largest island (48 km in length, 21 km wide) lying in the Andaman Sea off the country’s southwestern coast and is connected to the mainland by a bridge. Phuket Town is in the south-east part of the island, the international airport is in the north and the most popular beach resort towns are on the west coast. As one of Asia’s premier beach resorts, Phuket still retains its own distinct culture from Chinese and Portuguese influences. The island offers visitors warm tropical weather, beautiful white sandy beaches with warm clear water, pristine forests, shopping in up-market stores or traditional markets, many bars and restaurants, enchanting nightlife and friendly locals.